Virtuoso makes European debut with Anantara Vilamoura

798 496 Katy Phillips
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Portugal’s Algarve resort becomes luxury hotel brand’s first European venture

Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort has become the most recent addition to Virtuoso’s global portfolio of upscale properties.

Nestled amongst orange grove trees and undulating wetlands, the resort brings to life Anantara’s ethos of connecting modern travellers with authentic destinations and ensures the brand’s signature Thai hospitality is paired with indigenous style and flavour.

The Anantara Vilamoura is the first property in Europe to use the Anantara brand, which is owned by Thailand’s Minor Hotels.

Vilamoura is haven of luxury yachts and prestigious golf clubs, designer brand shopping and casino nights out, upscale restaurants, cafés and bars.

The new resort offers 280 rooms and suites in contemporary style and Anantara’s signature touches. Balconies tempt al fresco relaxation – many boasting garden, aqua pool or fairway views.


Portugal’s culinary expertise is evident across Anantara Vilamoura’s presentation of dining experiences. Executive Chef Bruno Viegas has woven his style throughout the resort’s bars and restaurants EMO and RIA, as well as Dining by Design, a tailored private dining experience.

Travellers with a sense of adventure can learn how to create Portugal’s delicious dishes in the Spice Spoons cooking class – exclusive for Virtuoso guests – combining a visit to the nearby town of Loulé’s fresh food market with an interactive cooking class with the chef.

“Being accepted into Virtuoso for the quality, comfort and exceptional service offered at the Anantara Vilamoura is a matter of great pride for both Minor Hotels and the team, which welcomes guests daily with an artful approach to hospitality that ensures perfect stays” said André Bernardo, Director of Sales at the Anantara Vilamoura Algarve Resort. “In this respect, our hotel sets a benchmark for Portuguese tourism.”

Katy Phillips / 21.03.2018

Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand. During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.

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Fun fact: I’m usually the person friends rely on to organise trips, schedules, and group plans.

Workhighlights: Successfully coordinating events from planning through to delivery and seeing everything come together on the day.

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Fun fact: People tell Sienna she gives off Bridget Jones vibes, and she loves to bake, always making sure there are shortbreads floating around the office

Work highlights: Sienna joined Forum Events & Media Group while studying Communications and Media, starting in the sales team where she managed and helped launch the first the PA Life Leading Venues of London SHOWCASE, where she built relationships with luxury venues across the capital. Drawn to the stories behind these spaces, she naturally transitioned into the editorial team, creating social media and editorial content. Upon graduating in June 2026, she is excited to be joining as Assistant Editor for Hotel Designs and SPACE.

Fun fact: When not working, Jess can usually be found tending to her kitchen garden in the Sussex countryside or foraging for herbs in the nearby woods. A keen grower, she recently studied a RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles of Horticulture during her spare time.

Work highlights: Jess joined SPACE magazine in 2022 and has since progressed from Assistant Editor to Editor. During this time, she has worked across many aspects of the publication – from shaping editorial strategy and overseeing operations to contributing to art direction and representing the brand on stage at industry events including Surface Design Show and WOW!house.

Alongside her role at SPACE, Jess has built a creative career spanning the arts, culture, design and travel sectors. Prior to joining the magazine, she spent more than a decade in the commercial art industry, in artist liaison, gallery management, and curating collections for the hospitality sector across hotels and cruise ships. During this time, she also worked on freelance projects as a writer, photographer, and creative content producer.
 
Jess studied photojournalism at London College of Communication and the Danish School of Media and Journalism and holds a first-class BA (Hons) in Culture, Criticism and Curation from Central Saint Martins.

Fun fact: Katy has spent years perfecting all kinds of accents and loves a good impersonation!

Work highlights: Katy has been with Hotel Designs since the beginning, way back in 2015 when Forum Events & Media Group acquired the brand.

During this time, she has fostered many meaningful relationships with clients from across the hospitality spectrum, as well as playing a pivotal role in the launch of The Brit List Awards, Hotel Designs MEET UPs, client-led roundtables and panel talks, brand and website redesigns, HD Wellness Sets, DESIGN POD podcast, Hotel Designs LIVE panel talk series, Accessible Design Talks and more. Katy is always on the lookout for the next opportunity to help grow the Hotel Designs brand even further.
 
Most recently Katy has stepped in to the role of Publisher atSPACE magazine, the printed bi-monthly publication focused on hotel design, architecture, and development.
Together these platforms offer a comprehensive 360-degree service encompassing digital media, print publishing, and live events – providing unparalleled value to advertisers, partners, and readers alike.